Bibiana Steinhaus becomes first female referee in Bundesliga history

Bibiana Steinhaus will become the first woman referee in Bundesliga history when she officiates in Germany’s first tier for the 2017-2018 season.

Steinhaus, a 38-year-old police officer is one of the four new referees pointed to the top flight.

“For us all, it’s a dream has come true. I’m very much looking forward to the task that awaits me,” Steinhaus told BBC Sport.

Since 2011, Steinhaus has served in Bundesliga 2 matches and also officiated the U.S. women’s national team vs Japan in the 2012 Olympic gold medal match.

“Bibiana Steinhaus has been one of the world’s best referees for many years, and has proved to be one of the top-ranked judges in Germany in recent Bundesliga matches,” said Deutscher Fussball-Bund Vice President Ronny Zimmermann.